ixory
07-29-2007, 06:53 PM
A do-or-die mission at world championships for Hafiz
By RAJES PAUL
Thestar online (http://www.thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/7/30/sports/18443192&sec=sports)
PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Mohd Hafiz Hashim will not take all the heavy criticism over his poor performances on international stage lying down.
Fed up with his poor results, Hafiz said that he did not want to continue to be a disappointment for coach Misbun Sidek.
And he is all fired up to face the challenges in the World Championships, which will be held at Putra Stadium from Aug 13-19, as though it will be his last chance to redeem himself.
On Saturday, a frustrated Misbun warned Hafiz to buck up or face the music. The breaking point for Misbun came after Hafiz's defeat by world number 57 Stanislav Pukhov of Russia in the second round of the Philippines Open about two weeks ago.
Earlier, he had lost to Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the second round of the China Masters.
“I accept Misbun's comment and understand his disappointment over my poor performances. I lost to Boonsak and the Russian and these are not the results you want before a major event like the World Championships,” said Hafiz.
“I need to perform well in the world meet to bring back the confidence in me and the confidence of others in me. This is the only chance I have right now.”
Hafiz is so focused on his fourth appearance in the world championships that he did not want to think of the other tournaments lined up for him this year.
Due to his downward spiral performances, he is now ranked 16th in the world. He will be drawn to meet one of the top eight players in the third round.
Hafiz, known for his skilful game but inconsistent fitness level, however, will find another poser in his bid to snap out of the rut. He has poor records performing at home.
His best achievement was only a quarter-final appearance in the 2005 Malaysian Open.
“It look so hard for me. I do not even have a good record at home. But I am trying to increase the pace of my game,” he added.
Last year, Hafiz was a quarter-finalist in Madrid.
At the two previous editions in Birmingham (2003) and Anaheim (2005), he was an early round casualty.
Besides Hafiz, Malaysia will have three other entries in the men's singles. They are Lee Chong Wei, Lee Tsuen Seng and Mohd Roslin Hashim.
By RAJES PAUL
Thestar online (http://www.thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/7/30/sports/18443192&sec=sports)
PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Mohd Hafiz Hashim will not take all the heavy criticism over his poor performances on international stage lying down.
Fed up with his poor results, Hafiz said that he did not want to continue to be a disappointment for coach Misbun Sidek.
And he is all fired up to face the challenges in the World Championships, which will be held at Putra Stadium from Aug 13-19, as though it will be his last chance to redeem himself.
On Saturday, a frustrated Misbun warned Hafiz to buck up or face the music. The breaking point for Misbun came after Hafiz's defeat by world number 57 Stanislav Pukhov of Russia in the second round of the Philippines Open about two weeks ago.
Earlier, he had lost to Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the second round of the China Masters.
“I accept Misbun's comment and understand his disappointment over my poor performances. I lost to Boonsak and the Russian and these are not the results you want before a major event like the World Championships,” said Hafiz.
“I need to perform well in the world meet to bring back the confidence in me and the confidence of others in me. This is the only chance I have right now.”
Hafiz is so focused on his fourth appearance in the world championships that he did not want to think of the other tournaments lined up for him this year.
Due to his downward spiral performances, he is now ranked 16th in the world. He will be drawn to meet one of the top eight players in the third round.
Hafiz, known for his skilful game but inconsistent fitness level, however, will find another poser in his bid to snap out of the rut. He has poor records performing at home.
His best achievement was only a quarter-final appearance in the 2005 Malaysian Open.
“It look so hard for me. I do not even have a good record at home. But I am trying to increase the pace of my game,” he added.
Last year, Hafiz was a quarter-finalist in Madrid.
At the two previous editions in Birmingham (2003) and Anaheim (2005), he was an early round casualty.
Besides Hafiz, Malaysia will have three other entries in the men's singles. They are Lee Chong Wei, Lee Tsuen Seng and Mohd Roslin Hashim.